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CNC prototyping service
Use computer-controlled machining technology to design and make prototype parts with automated speed and precision.
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Rapid CNC prototyping
Our CNC manufacturing capabilities allow you to create prototypes with high dimensional accuracy and excellent mechanical properties from a variety of metals and plastics. Manufacture on-demand with our 3-axis and 5-axis CNC mills, or our CNC turning process, and receive your prototype parts when you need them.
Our CNC prototyping process is simple: upload your CAD file to our Cloud Manufacturing Platform™, optimize your design with our expert engineers, and move to production when your project is ready.
Learn more about our on-demand manufacturing services with our full range of CNC manufacturing capabilities.
Our CNC machining technologies
Our CNC prototyping capabilities include automated milling and turning services:
Milling
CNC mills are effective for geometric designs and rapid production requirements. Our CNC prototyping capabilities include both 3-axis and 5-axis mills.
Turning
CNC turning is a process in which an automated lathe shapes a rotating workpiece. Turning is useful for rounded or cylindrical geometries.
Design considerations
Optimize your CNC machined prototype with the following design considerations, materials, and finishing and post processing options:
General process information
| 3-Axis Milling | 5-Axis Milling | Turning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max. Part size | 1800 x 1000 x 500 mm 70.9 x 39.4 x 19.7 in | 1000 x 900 x 600 mm 39.4 x 35.4 x 23.6 in | Ø 350 x 600 mm Ø 13.8 x 23.6 in |
| Min. Part size | 12.7 x 12.7 x 12.7 mm 0.5 x 0.5 x 0.5 in | 12.7 x 12.7 x 12.7 mm 0.5 x 0.5 x 0.5 in | 6.4 x 6.4 x 6.4 mm 0.25 x 0.25 x 0.25 in |
| Min. Feature size | Ø 1 mm Ø 0.039 in | Ø 1 mm Ø 0.039 in | Ø 1 mm Ø 0.039 in |
| Standard tolerance | Metals +/-0.13 mm +/-0.005 in Plastics +/- 0.20 mm +/- 0.008 in | Metals +/-0.13 mm +/-0.005 in Plastics +/- 0.20 mm +/- 0.008 in | Metals +/-0.13 mm +/-0.005 in Plastics +/- 0.20 mm +/- 0.008 in |
| Lead time | As low as 8 days for less than 50 parts | As low as 10 days for less than 50 parts | As low as 8 days for less than 50 parts |
CNC machining materials
| Plastic | Aluminum | Stainless Steel | Other Steel | Other Metal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABS | 2024 | 303 | Mid steel | Brass |
| Nylon 6 | 6061 | 304 | Alloy steel | Copper |
| Acetal (Delrin) | 6082 | 316 | Tool steel | Titanium |
| Polycarbonate | 7050 | 17-4 | Contact us for additional metal machining options | |
| PVC | 7075 | 420 | ||
| HDPE | ||||
| PTFE (Teflon) | ||||
| PEEK | ||||
| Nylon 30%GF | ||||
| UHMW |
Finishing and post-processing options
| As machined (standard) | Bead blasting | Polishing | Heat treating | Black oxide |
| Anodizing | Brushing | Screen printing | Passivating | |
| Powder coating | Painting | Engraving | Plating |
Get a quote for your CNC prototyping project
Create a Fast Radius account for rapid quotes on prototype parts.
Why prototype with CNC machining?
The CNC machining process offers unique prototyping benefits:
Design potential
Unlock the potential of your CNC prototyping project: our 3-axis and 5-axis milling capabilities offer automated speed and precision, and enable complex geometries and angles.
Virtual iteration
Work with Fast Radius engineers to iterate your CNC machining prototypes on our Cloud Manufacturing Platform™. Optimize your design virtually, and move to production quickly.
Fast turnaround
CNC machining is best suited to full production runs: we can manufacture your CNC prototype quickly, and scale up cost-effectively when you’re ready to move to a higher volume order.
Versatility
Manufacture CNC prototypes in a variety of materials, including plastic and metal, and choose from a number of finishing and post-processing options to suit your end-use.
CNC prototyping applications
Precise and quick to produce, CNC machined parts serve a spectrum of industrial applications:
Complex dimensions
Our CNC machining services are ideal for creating prototype parts with features located along or around axes, or parts with radial holes, grooves, and slots.
Niche manufacturing
Prototype in metal and plastic for niche manufacturing applications. CNC machining is suited to oblong or cylindrical parts, and to complex parts that need to be cut from multiple axes.
Automotive
CNC machining is ideal for creating functional automotive prototypes quickly, to exacting industry certification standards.
Hybrid manufacturing
Create prototypes for hybrid manufacturing projects, including multiple components in metal and plastic.
Explore CNC machining news and industry updates
Find CNC machining insight on the Fast Radius blog:
Fast Radius manufacturing solutions
Fast Radius manufacturing solutions serve the needs of businesses across the industrial landscape. Explore our capabilities:
3D printing
Fast, scalable, and cost-effective 3D printing technology for a variety of industrial applications.
CNC machining
Automated CNC turning and 3-axis and 5-axis milling, using rotating drills, end mills, and lathes.
